Retainer for gloves

ABSTRACT

A decorative retainer for a golf glove that employs, e.g., a hook and loop fastener, system on the glove closure for securing the glove to the golfer or clothing includes a mounting panel having a front portion provided with a cooperative fastener section of hook and loop fastening material that is adapted to securely, but retain a corresponding section of the fastener on the glove, the front portion also provided with a decorative indicia. An attachment device is joined to the mounting panel so that the retainer can be easily affixed to the golfer&#39;s clothing or to a golf bag during play.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to personal sports and work accessories and, in particular, to an accessory for conveniently and securely retaining gloves, such as golf and work gloves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] When engaging in sports and other athletic activities, a person typically uses small sports accessories, such as gloves, for a portion of the time during play, while at other times, the gloves are removed. For example, during golf, a golfer wears a lightweight glove when swinging a club to protect the skin from excess friction or blistering. Typically, the golfer removes the glove when advancing between shots. Golfers often also carry a small towel or cleaning cloth which must be stored on, or in the golf bag. Likewise, the golfer may wish to remove a cap or sun visor for a time during play.

[0003] Similarly, baseball players employ lightweight gloves during batting for similar reasons, but remove the gloves when not batting. Players in other sports such as tennis, handball, football, squash, archery, and racecar driving face similar situations involving the repetitious taking off and putting on of gloves.

[0004] A player is typically required to temporarily store the removed gloves until the next use. One common method of temporary storage is to place such gloves in the player's pocket or, in the golf setting, in a pocket of the golf bag. However, the removal and temporary storage can be frequent during a typical game of golf, baseball, etc. In addition, the frequent storage of gloves in one's pockets or bags can disrupt the concentration of the player, distracting the player's focus on the game. It is also desirable to remove even the light-weight golfer's glove to allow perspiration to dry. Furthermore, stuffing gloves in one's pocket or in a separate pocket of a golf bag reduces the capacity of such pockets and bags.

[0005] A need exists for a personal accessory, functioning as a retention device, which is readily worn on or attached to the player's clothing, to a golf bag or cart, or other equipment, to temporarily hold such gloves or other small personal sports accessories while avoiding the reduction of capacity of the pockets of the player or the player's sports bag, such as a golf bag.

[0006] A similar need exists for wearers of protective work gloves, such as gardeners, welders, industrial works and tradesmen. Work gloves must often be removed and, being bulky, are difficult to place in a pocket. As a result, they may become temporarily or permanently lost.

[0007] In addition, professional players engage in sponsorship relationships, in which the player wears clothing or uses accessories or vehicles bearing a sponsor's name, logo, or slogan. For example, the golfer Tiger Woods often wears a hat bearing the SWOOSH logo of the Nike Corporation. Similarly, consumers, sports fans, and amateur players purchase clothing or accessories bearing corporate logos or the names of their favorite sports player or team, often for the purpose of displaying such logos or names for decoration and/or personal expression. For example, amateur golfers can also purchase hats, shirts and other clothing, or accessories bearing the Nike SWOOSH logo, or golf accessories bearing the TITLIST™ of the Acushnet Company.

[0008] A need exists for an accessory that is easily and conveniently attached to a player's or worker's clothing or other piece of equipment for retaining gloves or other small and/or light weight sports and work items, and that optionally can be used to display a name, logo, or other expressive or decorative indicia.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A retainer is provided for a work glove, a golf glove and/or other light-weight sports item or accessory that has a fastening device, such as a hook and loop fastener, for securing the glove to the retainer. The retainer includes a mounting panel having a front portion provided with the fastener adapted to releasably hold the glove or other accessory, and with an attachment device joined to the mounting panel such that the retainer can be attached to the user's clothing, golf bag or other equipment. Another embodiment of the invention broadly comprehends a retainer, as described above, where the front portion is also provided with decorative indicia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention will be further described below and with reference to the drawings that are attached and form a part of the descriptions where

[0011]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the retainer of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the retainer shown in FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the retainer shown in FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the retainer shown in FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a another embodiment of the retainer;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a another embodiment of the retainer;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6;

[0018]FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a another embodiment of the retainer;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of a another embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0021]FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of a another embodiment of the retainer;

[0022]FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a another embodiment of the retainer;

[0023]FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of a another embodiment of the retainer;

[0024]FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of an another embodiment of the retainer; and

[0025]FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of a yet another embodiment of the retainer.

[0026] For the purposes of the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, a golf glove and other indicia relating to the game of golf will be used as the principal illustrative reference. However, it is to be understood that the invention also comprehends a retainer for work and sports gloves of all types and for other small, light-weight sports accessories used in all sports, where such accessories can be provided with a portion of either hook or loop fasteners so that the accessory can be retained on the mating portion that is attached to the decorative retainer. It is also to be understood that in one preferred embodiment the retainer is provided with pieces of both the hook and the loop fastener material so that can mate with either or both elements on the sports accessory or work glove.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] As shown in the various embodiments FIGS. 1-15, a decorative retainer is provided for retaining a golf glove or other such accessory which comprises a mounting panel having a fastening device, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, for securing the glove to the retainer and attachment means for attaching the retainer to the user's clothing, golf bag or other larger piece of equipment; and optionally for displaying decorative indicia.

[0028] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a first embodiment of the retainer 10 of the present invention. The retainer 10 includes a front surface 12 and a rear surface 14. The front surface 12 includes a first portion 16 and a second portion 18, where the first portion 16 has a display region 20 for displaying a logo, a message, or other decorative indicia. An example of a message 22 is illustrated in FIG. 3. The display region 20 can be a surface for mounting a sticker, decal, or magnetic material upon which the logo is placed using adhesive, magnets, or other attachment mechanisms or methods. Alternatively, the display region 20 can be a framed window composed of transparent or translucent material, composed for example of clear plastic or glass. The framed window can be a slotted framed window or a hinged window, behind which a card bearing the logo, message, or decorative indicia can be placed and/or removed.

[0029] The logo, message, or decorative indicia can be any one or a combination of golf course names, golf course logos, commercial logos, geographic designations, personal names, personal or corporate initials, geopolitical insignia, family crests, organizational emblems, or any other known types of logos, messages or indicia.

[0030] In another alternative embodiment, the logo or decorative indicia can be integrally molded into the front surface 12 on the first portion 16, with the size, shape and color of the logo or indicia relative to the size, shape and color of the first portion 16 being performed during the manufacturing process. For example, the logo or decorative can be indicia integrally molded into the front surface 12 on the first portion 16.

[0031] The second portion 18 has known fastening mechanisms mounted or attached to the surface of the second portion 18, such as hook-and-loop fasteners commercially available, for example, as VELCRO® from Velcro Industries USA.

[0032] The retainer 10 can be used in the orientation shown in FIGS. 1-2, with the first portion 16 as an upper portion, and the second portion 18 as a lower portion, with the indicia being vertically positioned on, or in the region 20 to be viewed and/or read by others.

[0033] The retainer 10 can be dimensioned to have angled corners so that the first portion 16 and the second portion 18 are substantially rectangular for ease of fabrication. The retainer 10 can also be dimensioned, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 with the first portion being about 1.5 inches (about 4 cm) wide, the second portion 18 being about 2 inches (about 5 cm) wide, and with both the first portion 16 and the second portion 18 being about 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) high. The retainer 10 can be, for example, about 0.125 inches (about 0.3 cm) thick, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. The retainer 10 can be manufactured from plastic, cut sheet metal, stamped metal, wood, or any other known rigid and/or flexible material, such as fabric, natural leather, imitation leather, and/or polymeric materials. Other shapes, dimensions and materials can be used, as described herein.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the retainer 10 includes a mounting region 24 on or in the rear surface 14, with the mounting region 24 providing a space for attaching any known fastening devices, such as a plastic or metal clip, resilient clips, snap clips, straps and/or chains. The fastening device can be secured by any known attachment devices, such as screws, rivets, adhesive or force-fit configurations. The attached fastening device can engage the clothing of the user; for example a flexible clip removably engaging the belt of the user. Alternatively, hook-and-loop fasteners can be placed on the mounting region 24 in the form of a loop or to engage complementary hook-and-loop fasteners on the user's clothing.

[0035] In another alternative embodiment, a fastening device of any known type can be integrally formed on the rear surface 14 of the retainer 10 by known manufacturing techniques, for example, by heat sealing a flexible plastic clip to the surface or by integrally forming the flexible clip and the retainer 10 from molded plastic.

[0036] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the retainer 30 can include a separate fastener 32 instead of, or in conjunction with, the clip or other fastening devices attached to the retainer 30 at the mounting region 24 on the rear side of the retainer 30. The fastener 32 can be attached to the first portion 16 of the retainer 30 by a ring 34 or other attachment mechanisms. Alternatively, the first portion 16 can include an aperture for passing through a ring or hook associated with the fastener 32, such as a keychain. The fastener 32 can be used to attach the retainer 30 to the clothing of the user, for example, the belt of a user.

[0037] The fastener can also be selected for attaching the retainer to a golf bag or to a manual or electric golfcart. In the case of work gloves, the fastener can attach the retainer to a tool belt, tool case or cart that is typically positioned in the work area.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the second portion 18 of each of the retainers 10, 30 can include hook-and-loop fasteners 36, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, for removably attaching gloves or other items to the retainer 10, 30, with the gloves or other items having complementary hook-and-loop fasteners for removably engaging the hook-and-loop fasteners 36 of the retainers 10, 30.

[0039] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, the retainer 40 can be substantially identical to the retainers 10, 30, but having rounded corners 42, 44 or portions which can be, for example, partially circular with a radius of about 0.25 inches (about 0.6 cm.), providing a curved and/or smooth appearance. As shown in the rear views of FIGS. 6-7, the mounting region 46 can also have rounded portions 48, for example, to fit the shape of a fastening device, such as a flexible clip which can have rounded portions, which is disposed on or in the mounting region 46. The retainer 40 can have substantially the same dimensions as the retainers 10, 30, with rounded corners. In alternative embodiments, as described herein, the retainers of the present invention can have any known shape, for example, to form an overall shape of a logo and/or one or more alphanumeric shapes.

[0040] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the retainer 40 can also have a display region 50 having rounded portions 52 for accommodating a logo, indicia, or message having rounded portions and/or having a distinctive shape to the logo or indicia, including curves such as the SWOOSH logo.

[0041] In a further embodiment, depicted in FIGS. 9-10, the retainer 60 can be dimensioned with the second portion 62 larger than the first portion 64, providing a larger area on which to place hook-and-loop fasteners for holding gloves. Since the second portion 62 has a greater area, the removably mounted gloves engaging the hook-and-loop fasteners can be secured at a lower location relative to the logo or indicia on the first portion 64, so that the removably mounted gloves do not obscure the logo or indicia from viewing by others.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 10, the mounting region 66 of the retainer 60 can extend across the rear of both of the portions 62, 64, or can be disposed on only one of either of the portions 62, 64.

[0043] In the embodiment, illustrated by in FIG. 11, a retainer 70 has the second portion 72 with the hook-and-loop fasteners disposed above the first portion 74 displaying the logo or indicia. This provides a configuration in which the logo or indicia appear more prominent when the user is wearing the gloves and does not have the gloves or items attached to the hook-and-loop fasteners, even though the first portion 74 can be temporarily obscured when the gloves are attached to the second portion 72 by the hook-and-loop fasteners. For example, a professional golfer and his/her sponsor could prefer to have the logo appear more prominent on the retainer 70 when the golfer, wearing the gloves removed from the retainer 70, is swinging or putting; that is, when television and press cameras are focused on the golfer and the retainer 70 displaying the logo worn by the golfer will be prominently displayed.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the retainer 80 can have a circular and/or oval shape, with appropriately sized and shaped portions 82, 84 for mounting the logo and hook-and-loop fasteners, respectively. Thus, the retainer 80 can accommodate circular or oval logos, and can also be shaped in the form of a selected logo. As shown in phantom in FIG. 12, a clip 86 can be screwed to the rear of the retainer 80 to attach it to the user's clothing.

[0045] In the embodiment, shown in FIG. 13, the retainer 90 has a circular or oval shape with portions 92, 94 for the logo and hook-and-loop fasteners, and also includes an aperture 96 for securing known attachment devices, such as a strap 98 with known fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners 100, for removably wrapping the strap 98 around the belt or the belt loop the user.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the retainer 110 has the shape of a keychain fob, with portions 112, 114 for the logo and hook-and-loop fasteners, respectively. The retainer 110 also includes an end 116 which, in one embodiment, can have an aperture for receiving a keychain. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 14, the end 116 includes a strap 118 extending from the main portion of the fob with known fasteners, such as a metal snap fastener 120, 122 for removably wrapping the strap 118 around the belt of the user.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the retainer 130 has a first portion 132 including the logo, and the second portion 134 including the hook-and-loop fasteners. One feature of the retainer 130 include the positioning of the portions 132, 134 side-by-side instead of having either portion 132, 134 disposed above the other, permitting the logo to be displayed whether or not the gloves are removably attached to the retainer 130 by the hook-and-loop fasteners. Another feature is this embodiment is that the retainer 130 can include any arbitrary shape, such as the shape of the logo, or a customized shape such as the geographic shape of a state or country, or of known items such as stars, shoes, etc. In addition, the retainer 130 includes a portion 136 to which a fastener 138 is attached; for example, the fastener 138 can be a clip or a keychain attached to a ring 140 or, alternatively, passing through an aperture in the portion 136.

[0048] In a further preferred embodiment, the hook-and-loop fastener is cut, as by die cutting, to form a portion of the logo or decorative design, or to comprise the border of the logo. Portions of the hook-and-loop fastener material can be of two or more colors and can form part of a colorful corporate logo or other ornamental or decorative design.

[0049] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a glove or gloves that include snap fasteners on the security strap are accommodated by providing the corresponding snap fastener(s) on the mounting portion 18 of retainer 20. The snap fastener(s) can be used alone, i.e., in place of the hook-and-loop fasteners, or in combination with the hook-and-loop fastener to thereby accommodate both types of systems.

[0050] Accordingly, the retainers shown in FIGS. 1-15 and described herein provide versatility of use to display logos and indicia as well as functioning to temporarily and removably, but securely retain items, such as gloves, in a readily available position on the clothing of the user.

[0051] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a glove or gloves that include snap fasteners on the securing strap are accommodated by providing the corresponding snap fastner(s) on the mounting portion 18 of retainer 20. The snap fastener(s) can be used alone, i.e., in place of the hook-and-loop fasteners, or in combination with the hook-and-loop fasteners to thereby accommodate both types of systems.

[0052] In addition to use with sports gloves of various types, the invention can be adapted for use with work gloves. Many trades require workers to don gloves for certain tasks and the to have their hands free for others. Similarly, problems arise with the disposition of bulky work gloves when the are not being worn, and one or both may be lost or misplaced, or simply not be handily available when the are needed.

[0053] In the work environment, it may be necessary to affix portions of hook and/or loop fastening material to a convenient location on the glove, e.g., on the exterior of the cuffs. In a preferred embodiment, the gloves are provided with such fasteners to allow them to be securely joined together when not in use, and this will allow one portion of one of the paired gloves to be removably secured to the retainer of the present invention. Alternatively, two retainers can be affixed to opposed positions on the worker's clothing and a single glove retained in a readily accessible position when the need arises. In this embodiment of the invention, the worker can position the retainers so that she can slip one or both hands into the securely supported gloves, and once firmly in place, pull the glove(s) away from the retainer.

[0054] In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention having special utility in the workplace, the employee's identification badge is received in a secure, but removable position for display in the front of the retainer assembly. For example, a plastic identification card or badge is received in a slot between the front and rear surfaces of the mounting place and is visible through a transparent plastic window or opening. The badge-holding retainer of this embodiment is provided with a sufficient surface area to also receive hook-and-loop fastener material to securely retain a work glove, or pair of mated gloves, in the particular work environment of the trade. Thus, welders working in the building trades are likely to have their gloves exposed to more rigorous contact then workers in an electronic assembly facility wearing cotton gloves. 

We claim:
 1. A retainer for a glove having a hook and loop fastener, the retainer comprising: a mounting panel having a front portion provided with a piece of hook or loop fastener adapted to mate with one of the hook and loop fasteners on the golf glove, and attachment means joined to the mounting panel, whereby the retainer can be attached to the user's clothing and or equipment.
 2. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the attachment means is selected from the group consisting of resilient clips, snap clips, straps and chains.
 3. The retainer of claim 2, wherein the resilient clip is joined to a portion of the mounting panel opposite the front portion and is adapted for securing the retainer on a waist band of an article of clothing.
 4. The retainer of claim 3, wherein the resilient clip is integrally formed with the front portion of the retainer.
 5. The retainer of claim 4, wherein the mounting panel and resilient clip are molded plastic.
 6. The retainer of claim 4, wherein the mounting panel and resilient clip are stamped metal.
 7. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the front portion is also provided with decorative indicia.
 8. The retainer of claim 7, wherein the decorative indicia is integrally molded into the front portion.
 9. The retainer of claim 7, wherein the indicia is selected from the group consisting of golf course names and logos, commercial logos, geographical designations, personal names, initials, geopolitical insignia, family crests, organizational emblems and personnel identification.
 10. The retainer of claim 1 in which the front portion is from about 2 to 4 inches in width and from about 3 to 5 inches in height.
 11. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the indicia is positioned above the piece of hook or loop fastener when the retainer is in use.
 12. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the exposed surface of the front portion is selected from the group consisting of fabric, natural and imitation leather, metal and polymeric materials.
 13. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the mounting panel is fabricated from a flexible material.
 14. The retainer of claim 13, wherein the flexible material is natural or imitation leather and the attachment means is a resilient clip.
 15. The retainer of claim 13, wherein the flexible material is natural or imitation leather and the attachment means is a strap.
 16. The retainer of claim 15, wherein the strap is integrally formed with the mounting panel and is provided with snap fasteners, whereby the strap forms a loop in the secured position.
 17. The retainer of claim 14, wherein the strap passes through an opening extending through the mounting panel.
 18. A retainer for detachably retaining a sports accessory when the accessory is not in use, the accessory having fastening means, the retainer comprising: a mounting panel including visible indicia; and a first fastener for removably engaging the fastening means of the sports accessory to thereby retain the accessory on the mounting panel; and a second fastener for attaching the retainer to a belt or waistband of a user of the accessory.
 19. The retainer of claim 18, wherein the accessory is a golf glove.
 20. The retainer of claim 18, wherein the second fastener is a clip.
 21. The retainer of claim 18, wherein the first fastener and the fastening means are mating portions of hook-and-loop fasteners. 